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Why did Footbinding develop?
Footbinding usually began when girls were between 4 and 6 years old; some were as young as 3, and some as old as 12. Mothers, grandmothers, or older female relatives first bound the girl’s feet. Most agree that it began because of male erotic fascination with the shape and point of court dancers’ feet while dancing.
What influenced Footbinding?
Foot-binding is said to have been inspired by a tenth-century court dancer named Yao Niang who bound her feet into the shape of a new moon. Gradually, other court ladies—with money, time and a void to fill—took up foot-binding, making it a status symbol among the elite.
Why did the Chinese do Footbinding?
Foot-binding persisted for so long because it had a clear economic rationale: It was a way to make sure young girls sat still and helped make goods like yarn, cloth, mats, shoes and fishing nets that families depended upon for income – even if the girls themselves were told it would make them more marriageable.
When did Footbinding start in China?
The first recorded binding occurred in the Five Dynasties and Ten States period in the 10th century. According to the story, an emperor had a favorite concubine, a dancer who built a gilded stage in the shape of a lotus flower.
When was foot binding started?
10th century
The practice may have originated among court dancers during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in 10th century China, and gradually became popular among the elite during the Song dynasty. Foot binding eventually spread to lower social classes by the Qing dynasty (1636-1912).
Why do you think the practice was outlawed in 1911?
The Manchus ruled over China in the Qing Dynasty between the years of 1644 and 1911. They did not support the customs of foot binding and wanted to abolish the practice. The world began to regard foot binding as something that was an integral part of the old China and became a custom that was deemed as barbaric.
Why was foot binding banned 1911?
Opposition to the practice of foot binding initially began during the Manchu rule in China. The Manchus ruled over China in the Qing Dynasty between the years of 1644 and 1911. They did not support the customs of foot binding and wanted to abolish the practice.